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William Nuffer, a Founder of Sheridan Books, Inc., Passes at 82

Monday, June 9, 2014

It is with great sadness and respect that we observe the passing of William George Nuffer, a founder of Sheridan Books, Inc. Bill passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at Northport Highlands in Northport, MI.

A Michigan native, Bill attended college at the University of Michigan and earned his degree in Business Administration. While Bill was attending the University of Michigan, he was enlisted in the Naval ROTC program and worked full-time at Braun-Brumfield, one of the two founding companies of Sheridan Books, Inc.

Upon Bill’s graduation from the University of Michigan he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy during the Korean conflict. Bill’s duty involved flying during the entire period and in addition, he was squadron material officer, squadron instrument instructor, and patrol plane commander.

Returning from service, Bill rejoined Braun-Brumfield and soon became Vice President and Director. The love and dedication for printing books became deep rooted in his life. In 1965, Bill felt he needed greater challenges and left Braun-Brumfield to found LithoCrafters in Ann Arbor. Bill went on to establish a second book manufacturing company, BookCrafters, in Fredericksburg, Va. Soon afterward, LithoCrafters and BookCrafters were merged to form one company which retained the name BookCrafters. Under Bill’s leadership BookCrafters grew to have five locations and over 800 employees. Bill served as the President of the company until his retirement in 1996. In 1999 BookCrafters merged with Braun-Brumfield to form Sheridan Books, Inc.

Bill has also served as the President of the Ann Arbor Litho Club, the Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Management Association, and held a number of board positions with the Village of Chelsea and Chelsea Hospital. In 1981, Bill helped to found the Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Foundation which provides scholarships for Michigan students earning a print management degree.

When Bill was not working he was able to indulge in his passion for flying, hunting, boating, and deep water fishing.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary, his children: Bob, Pam, and John, two step-children: Bob and Patty, five grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and one great-grandchild.